Bale double earns Spurs 2-1 win over Newcastle

Having given Spurs a fifth-minute lead with a dipping free kick, the Wales winger powered through in the 78th to drive home the winning goal and ensure Spurs consolidated their position in the top four.

Bale, one of the Premier League's most exciting talents, has now scored in his last four matches in all competitions and has a career-high 13 in the league this season, almost single-handedly leading Tottenham's charge to a Champions League qualification spot.

Yoan Gouffran equalized for Newcastle in the 25th but was later carried off on a stretcher with an apparent shin injury.

Bale, who has constantly been linked with a move to Real Madrid, has now scored 10 times in his last 12 league appearances for Spurs. By adding goals to his superb all-round play, he is growing into a complete player and he was unstoppable at White Hart Lane.

Although his free kick was well struck, his first goal was avoidable as midfielder Jonas Gutierrez jumped sideways to leave a slight gap in the defensive wall. The shot dipped viciously and found the net low down at Tim Krul's near post.